My Little Pony: Sleeping Giant
Chapter 3: The Seas and the Heavens
It is said that our kinfolk originated from Tuplar, an ancient civilization that dates back to the 5th Millennium BC. That is 'Before Celestia' to be precise. Once the empire fell, our kind fled to the islands that we have called home since then, and our history began in periods. Starting with the 'Jomon Period' to the present period we are at now, the 'Showa'.
It was in the Meiji Period where our ponyfolk began a sacred duty to resist, especially when Equestria tried to annex our nation in the early 20th century. In this time, our naval forces are at their most powerful. I am Admiral Water Lily, or 'Suiren' in my native language. I am the commanding officer of the battleship 'Jimmu'. The most mighty of his type.
He was part of 'Project A-150' before the war, and now he can unleash his guns in anger alongside his sister-ships 'Iwami' and 'Shikishima'. He is 88,000 tons fully loaded, 263m long, and has a beam of 38.9m. He is armed with eight 20in guns, two guns for each of his four turrets. With a speed of 30 knots, he and his sisters are agile for their large size
"Nice day out today, just a bit chilly," I stated
"Indeed," replied my helms-pony, Fair Orchid
"Tea?" offered Fair Orchid, I shook my head
"No thank you, I'll find some food," I replied
Along with our 'Super Battleships', we also still have our 'Fleet Battleships' which we will count on to see the most use in a clash against the two Equestrian fleets. These mighty battleships are 70,000 tons fully loaded. They are 256m long at the waterline with a beam of 38.9m, and a draught of 10.4m. Each is armed with nine 18in guns in three turrets
They are a bit slower at 27 knots, but can still hold their own in battle. There are nine in the 'Period' Class: Jomon, Yayoi, Asuka, Heian, Muromachi, Kamakura, Sengoku, Meiji, and Showa. There were to be more, but were converted into aircraft carriers. The 'Fleet Carriers' are the Shinano, Donryu, Mizuchi, Mizuryu, and Shusui. Each carries 40 aircraft
The aircraft carriers were going through exercises out in the Sea of Neigh-Pon while our main battle fleet of battleships was moored in the Port of Hasu. Also out on patrol were cruisers, destroyers, and submarines. Each ship type has it own pride. For heavy cruisers, the 'Yoshino' Class leads the flotilla. Her sisters are Azuma, Tokiwa, Yakumo, and Izumi
"Any news?" I asked of Fair Orchid,
"Yes, the Northern Escort arrived safely in Orel"
"That is good news to hear, it will warm me that our allies will trust us, though we are still ponies" I said, as I made my leave of the helm in the citadel as I heard the ship's taiko group practicing. Taiko competitions between branches of the military are common. As admiral, I wear my dark blue peaked cap, and uniform. I looked my best. Crisp, and sharp
The prides of our submarine fleets are the J-1 Class, and I-400 'Sentoku' Class. We did have plans to convert our large I-400 class submarines into 'submarine aircraft carriers', but those were scrapped. Instead like the J-1 Class, we made them into the ultimate commerce raiders. With eight 21in torpedo tubes and two 14cm guns, we call them 'Youkai'.
I looked up overhead, and saw the Air Force and Naval aircraft conducting exercises. The main fighter plane for our air forces is the Kawasaki Ki-78. With a top speed of 435mph and beloved by pilots for it's handsome looks and reliability, it's nicknamed the 'Katana'. It's good to see our air forces working well together with both our army and naval forces
"Anything from your cousin?" asked Fair Orchid
"Yes, good news as well," I replied
"Sakura Breeze and her forces are the first hooves to make it onto the Mainland, she brings honor to our clan," I added, and heard a drone of bombers overhead. It appears that the Air Force has been given their first assignments seeing that they are flying in the direction of the Mainland. The two mainstay bombers are the Mitsubishi Ki-21 and the Ki-67
"As will you in this war, Admiral," said Fair Orchid as she left her post, and went to find some food on the warship. I do apologize to any stallions out there who find me fetching. I am married. I have a husband 'Naginata' in the Imperial Army, and two sons 'Nagamaki' and 'Kodachi' living at our home in Nagano. I miss them dearly. I always think of them
I think of my two sons as I help them with their studies, or hearing their joyous laughter when I am chasing them in the hallways of my home in a game of 'Onigokko' or playing 'Kakurenbo'. I think of husband as well. His warm words into my ear. His touch exploring the tan-colored fur of my back, and finding my big flanks, and his gentle kiss on my lips
"You will see them again," soothed Fair Orchid
"I hope so, I miss them," I replied with a smile
"They're living with their aunt and uncle," I added
I remember before Naginata went off to war. I was laying on the bed. He kissed, and nuzzled his cheek on my cutie mark that bears the symbol of my name. He then kissed by black mane, and then my lips. With a warm smile, he promised to me that he will return. Not long after that, I was bear-hugging both my sons as I had been called into war too.
I kissed the cheeks of both my sons, and promised I will return. My sons will be seven years old by now. I'm always writing to them, and my husband when I get time to myself. My husband will be on leave soon, as will I soon. I hope to take him and my sons to the beach. I believe that when one has a family, it makes one stronger in mind, and in spirit.